Where to Say in ‘Eua
Get off the beaten track and stay with the locals on the island of ‘Eua. Tonga’s second-largest island, located just south of Tongatapu, is a place to really embrace nature and the simple life. This also reflects in the accommodations, which are no-frills but utterly affordable and mostly run by locals. The term “resort” is loosely used in this article, as it is across the whole kingdom, as accommodation is more of a mix of lodges, guest houses and cabins. Nevertheless, this list of the best resorts in ‘Eua should give you a good indication of the amazing places to stay on the island of ‘Eua!
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, especially when it comes to accommodation. With that in mind, some of the services accommodations provide are known to change without notice. If there is any information needing an update in the listings below, feel free to reach out!
While you’re here, take a look at The Complete Guide to ‘Eua to plan more of your stay on the “forgotten island”.
1. The Hideaway
Ideally located in a coastal setting in the west of ‘Eua, The Hideaway is your one-stop shop for accommodation, meals, transport and activities on the island. Stay in one of their affordable rooms, each featuring a queen bed, a single bed and a hot shower ensuite. Guests have access to a kitchen for self-catering and can order meals with vegetarian options. The most popular communal area, however, is the viewing deck built for watching the amazing sunsets and whales in the season. The Hideaway offers its own range of in-house activities, such as guided hikes and 4WD tours, and can arrange external activities, from whale swimming to horse riding.
2. Ovava Tree Lodge
The closest accommodation to the ferry wharf and Ohonua town, Ovava Tree Lodge has a convenient location yet feels a world away from anywhere with its timber-lined cabins nestled in the trees. There are 10 attractive cabins connected by a boardwalk to the dining area where a cooked breakfast is served each morning and meals can be ordered. The cabins are ideal for couples and solo travellers and feature WiFi and an ensuite with hot water. The hosts offer 4WD tours, whale swimming, scuba diving and registry/transfers for rock climbing. We also recommend this accommodation for couples, as listed in The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to ‘Eua.
3. Blue Water Retreat
Stay near the sandy shores of Tufuvai Beach, on the west coast of ‘Eua, at the Blue Water Retreat (formerly The Deep Resort). This budget resort offers a range of freestanding bungalows, three with a queen bed/two king single beds and three family bungalows, making it a top choice for family accommodation in ‘Eua. Bungalows are modernly renovated and furnished, plus feature their own deck where you can watch amazing sunsets and sometimes whales on the horizon. Blue Water Retreat offers daily specials at its restaurant, as well as organises whale swimming tours, bike hire, 4×4 tours, horse riding, fishing and more.
4. Taina’s Place
Stay in the heart of the island at Taina’s Place! The accommodation offers a wide range of cabins with dorms, private single, double and triple layouts with shared bathroom facilities. Alternatively, a cottage is available sleeping up to four people with a private bathroom. Guests can also use the expansive lawns for camping. Self-catering is available at Taina’s Place, as well as meal orders should you prefer. The local operator also offers a great selection of activities, from 4WD tours to whale watching tours, and can also organise experiences with the local community, such as crafting lessons and horseback riding. Taina’s Place also has some of the cheapest rates on the island as listed in the 6 Best Budget Accommodation in ‘Eua.
5. Seta Homestay
For those who prefer more of their own space, Seta Homestay is a good option. The private holiday home has two bedrooms and sleeps up to five guests. Make use of your own kitchen facilities, lounge and bathroom, where some supplies will be waiting to get you started, like tea, coffee, sugar and sometimes fresh fruit. The local hosts offer homemade meals should you desire or can deliver fruit and vegetables for self-catering. They also offer car hire and a 4WD island tour. What’s more, you can get some serious beach time in with the Seta Homestay being just three minutes’ walk from the beach!
Check Seta Homestay out:
- Seta Homestay on Booking.com
- Seta Homestay on Airbnb – don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
6. ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House
Last, but certainly not least, stay with a local legend at the ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House. Kiko, the host of the guesthouse, is renowned in ‘Eua for his whale swimming tours, fishing tours and guided hikes around the island. The guesthouse provides a basic and budget stay with seven rooms available. Choose either a double room, triple room or a family room, all with shared bathroom and hot shower facilities. You’ll also have access to a guest lounge with a pool table and a karaoke machine. Food can be purchased at the guesthouse or there is a kitchen for self-catering.
Check ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guest House out:
- ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana
Guest House on Airbnb – don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
More About Resorts in ‘Eua
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.